Working environment factors
How does Carbon Tetrachloride affect workers’ health?
Mar
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a toxic chemical often used in manufacturing plants, but few people know that it can pose many dangers to workers’ health. This article will help you understand the effects of CCl4 and how to protect your health when working in an environment where this chemical is used.
1. What is Carbon tetrachloride?
Carbon tetrachloride, also known as tetrachloromethane, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CCl₄. It is formed from one carbon (C) atom bonded to four chlorine (Cl) atoms in a tetrahedral structure. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a slightly sweet smell. In the past, carbon tetrachloride was commonly used in many industries, especially as a solvent in cleaning processes, in the production of refrigerants, and in the food processing industry.
Carbon tetrachloride is not a natural compound but a man-made product, synthesized mainly through chemical reactions between carbon and chlorine. Since its discovery and widespread application, CCl₄ has shown a strong impact on the environment and human health, so its use has been gradually restricted in recent decades. However, due to its volatile nature and ability to dissolve in many other solvents, it is still used in some specific fields.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cacbon tetraclorit | Carbon tetrachloride | 29031400 | 56-23-5 | CCl4 |
See more services: Chemical safety training according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
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2. Where does Carbon tetrachloride originate from during the production process?
During the production process, carbon tetrachloride can originate from various sources, mainly from the use of chlorine-containing compounds. One of the main sources is the production of industrial chemicals, especially in the petrochemical and refrigerant manufacturing industries. When organic compounds such as methane, ethane, or propane react with chlorine under high-temperature conditions, carbon tetrachloride can be created as a byproduct.
In addition, in factories producing pesticides, herbicides, and cleaning products, carbon tetrachloride can also be generated during processing or in related chemical reactions. Due to its nature as a strong solvent and disinfectant, this substance can easily evaporate into the air, posing a risk to workers if there are not adequate protective measures in the work environment.
3. Industries that use Carbon tetrachloride in production
During production, carbon tetrachloride is used mainly in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerant manufacturing. In the chemical industry, it plays an important role as a solvent in the synthesis of organic compounds, especially in the production of pesticides and herbicides. Additionally, CCl₄ is also used in the production of plastics and industrial cleaning agents.
The pharmaceutical industry also uses carbon tetrachloride in the production process of some drugs, particularly in chemical reactions to create the necessary compounds for pharmaceutical products. Besides, in the refrigerant manufacturing industry, carbon tetrachloride was used in the production of refrigerants, although its use in these applications has significantly decreased now due to its negative impact on the environment.
Carbon tetrachloride is also used in industrial cleaning and degreasing processes, thanks to its ability to effectively dissolve grease and dirt. However, due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment, many industries have restricted its use or sought safer alternatives.
4. How does Carbon tetrachloride affect workers?
When exposed to carbon tetrachloride, workers can face many negative health effects, especially with long-term exposure or in environments without adequate protective measures. When inhaling the gas or vapor of this compound, workers may experience symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue. If exposed to high concentrations, carbon tetrachloride can cause serious damage to the nervous system, affecting coordination and cognitive function.
Furthermore, when carbon tetrachloride comes into direct contact with the skin, it can cause skin irritation, rashes, or blisters. If the substance is absorbed through the skin, it can affect the liver and kidneys, as these are the main organs involved in metabolizing and eliminating toxins from the body. Inhaling the gas or long-term exposure to carbon tetrachloride can also lead to severe liver damage, even causing cirrhosis or liver failure.
In the long term, exposure to carbon tetrachloride can increase the risk of cancers, particularly liver and kidney cancer, as the substance is considered to be carcinogenic. Studies have shown that carbon tetrachloride can cause genetic mutations and disrupt cell function, thereby increasing the risk of developing malignant diseases.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Carbon tetrachloride for human exposure
Exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause serious effects on human health. However, there is currently no specific information on the permissible safe concentration for exposure to this substance in Vietnam. Globally, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established occupational exposure limits for carbon tetrachloride. The WHO recommends a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 0.1 mg/m³ and a long-term exposure limit (TWA) of 0.03 mg/m³. The EPA suggests that the concentration of carbon tetrachloride in the air should not exceed 0.1 mg/m³ to protect public health. These limits are intended to minimize the risk of damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system from exposure to carbon tetrachloride.
On a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Carbon tetrachloride. Organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the health effects of Carbon tetrachloride on workers
To minimize the health effects of carbon tetrachloride on workers, protective measures must be strictly implemented in the workplace. One of the most important measures is to provide a good ventilation system to limit the accumulation of carbon tetrachloride vapor in the air. Workrooms or areas where this substance is used need to be equipped with effective ventilation, exhaust, and air filtration systems to maintain the concentration of this substance in the air at a safe level.
In addition, workers must be fully equipped with personal protective equipment, including vapor-proof respirators, gloves, and safety glasses to avoid direct contact with carbon tetrachloride. Wearing protective clothing and adhering to safety procedures is crucial in minimizing the risk of injury to workers.
Training and raising awareness for workers is also an important factor in protecting their health. Workers need to be trained on the health risks of working with carbon tetrachloride, the signs of poisoning, and how to handle exposure to this substance.
Finally, regular monitoring and testing of carbon tetrachloride concentrations in the workplace air are necessary. Authorities and management units need to conduct periodic checks to ensure that the concentration of this substance does not exceed the permissible level, in order to protect the long-term health of workers.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collecting and analyzing factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Workplace Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the monitoring and measurement of workplace environmental quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, handling, and tracking workplace environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meeting all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of workplace environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- With Nam Viet’s Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best offers on costs.
8. Quotation for workplace environment monitoring
To help businesses conduct workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet offers our customers a quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the prices of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide advice and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional service quality.
